Expert Advice

A Partner’s Guide to Managing Labor Infographic

With all the attention, time, money, and energy being focused on their favorite pregnant person, some partners don’t really know what their role is, or how to do it. For the visual learners among us, a simple infographic can give a picture guide to managing labor.

Many people, not just partners, don’t realize that labor is not one long, drawn-out process, and that at each stage there is something to be done, even if it’s to not go to the hospital. When you’re in the throes of labor breathing, an informed partner is a more secure one, and probably a more effective one.

You can use this guide to help you talk about your birth and write your birth plan.

What does your partner want to do, or feel capable of doing, at each stage? If they don’t know, it’s a perfect time for the conversation.

If they have a vision or ideas—and those could be outside your hospital or birthing center’s norms—these should be written into your birth plan and discussed with your care provider.

What about you—what do you imagine wanting or needing? If this is your first baby, it can be hard to visualize what your body will need or what will feel good. Use the infographic to help you think about it.

To learn more about partner roles, download our free Birth Plan eBook now. After three years of research, collaboration with more than 100 childbirth experts and resource centers from Healthy Child Healthy World to the American Association of Neonatal Nurses, the Best Ever Baby Birth Plan Guide is available for a free download.

This new resource for pregnant families is a compilation of top tips and advice from more than 20 nationally-recognized experts in the field including renowned pediatrician, Dr. Alan Greene and GraceFull Birthing founder, midwife Elizabeth Bachner. These trusted experts offer thoughtful guidance for whatever type of birthing experience parents want, in whichever setting they choose.